News

Community News

Company Announcements: Week of May 6, 2013

Following is the latest roundup of community news for the week of May 6, 2013.
1148
Practice

Top Priorities: Improve Your Marketing, Business Development

A recent survey of CPA firms by Sageworks' ProfitCents Professional Services identified marketing and business development as among the most important management issues facing these establishments.
2145
Tax

Limits of Health Savings Accounts to Increase in 2014

For calendar year 2014, the annual limitation on deductions under §223(b)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code for an individual with self-only coverage under a high-deductible health plan is $3,300, up from $3,250 in 2013.
1789
Tax

Tax Reform? Mortgage Interest Is All About Location

According to a new study, the amount of the mortgage interest deduction for taxpayers differs widely across the country, with the biggest deductions claimed by those living along the east and west coasts.
2008
Education & Careers

Hiking, Biking, Rafting CFO Wins "Secret Lives" Contest

If there's one CFO who bucks the stereotype of the nerdy accountant, it's Cathy Shoenfeld, who takes full advantage of the Rocky Mountains where she lives and works. She won a new contest sponsored by CBIZ this year called Behind the Numbers – The Secret Lives of CFOs.
1474
Technology

AICPA/CPA Canada Survey: Managing Data Tops List of 2013 Tech Initiatives

According to the 2013 North American Top Technology Initiatives Survey conducted by AICPA and CPA Canada, managing and retaining data topped the list of ten technology initiatives for accounting firms in the United States and Canada.
2128
Technology

The End Is Near for Windows XP

Despite three subsequent Windows releases, Windows XP remains the second most popular operating system version. Regardless, the 38 percent of computer users currently relying on Windows XP will soon need to move to a modern operating system, or risk exposure to malware.
2358
Tax

Crime Watch: May 2, 2013

A federal court in Los Angeles has entered an order permanently barring John Trunzo from preparing federal income tax returns and other tax-related documents for others, the Justice Department announced April 30.
1439
Practice

Merger Gives Marcum Foothold into Real Estate Industry

In an effort to expand its real estate practice, New York City–based national accounting and advisory firm Marcum LLP has merged with Cornerstone Accounting Group, a real estate accounting and assurance firm also based in Manhattan. Financial details of the merger were not disclosed.
1189
A&A

FASB Looks to Defer Certain Disclosures for Benefit Plans

As a result of concerns from stakeholders, the FASB has issued a proposal to defer indefinitely the effective date for certain disclosure requirements for nonpublic employee benefit plans in the plan sponsor's own equity securities. Individuals or organizations can comment on the proposal until May 31.
1670
Practice

Twelve Voice Mail Greetings That Will Make You Laugh

Jeff Davidson, "The Work-Life Balance Expert," had some extra time on his hands this week and had probably heard one too many voice mail greetings. Here's his solution to run-of-the-mill recorded greetings.
3137
Practice

Tips for Running a Productive Meeting with Small Business Clients

Handling a client meeting with professional efficiency does not mean ticking through agenda items with military precision. The meeting needs to be handled with efficiency and finesse. Preplanning ensures the meeting will be productive and efficiently managed.
3383
Tax

IRS Seeks Applications for the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council

The IRS announced it is accepting applications for the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC). Applications will be accepted through June 14, 2013.
1171
A&A

AICPA Survey Finds Money Worries Taking Toll on Americans' Waistlines, Well-being

Feeling a little paunchy around the middle or particularly irritable when you pull into work in the morning? Don't blame it all on processed sugar or your two-hour commute. A recent AICPA survey found money worries are making many Americans impatient, unhealthy, and sleep deprived.
1766
Education & Careers

$53,300: The Average Starting Salary for New Accounting Grads

Accounting students who will graduate in 2013 will be the beneficiaries of an average starting salary that has increased by 7 percent over last year, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
27977
Tax

IRS Summons Wells Fargo for Data on Offshore Accounts

A ruling in a San Francisco federal court on April 29 allows the IRS to seek information on US taxpayers who may have offshore bank accounts in the Caribbean. Judge Thelton E. Henderson authorized the IRS to serve a "John Doe" summons on financial services firm Wells Fargo & Co.
1359
Practice

What Makes Your Accounting Firm Stand Out?

Is your firm unique? If so, in what ways? Would your clients agree, or is that something employees of the firm, or maybe just the partners, want to believe?
1123
Education & Careers

Cross-Generational Conversation with the Elephants in the Room

While there's comfort in talking with like-minded individuals and supporters, greater progress is made when being inclusive and inviting to prominent seats at the table those who are unaware of issues or who might have biases.
1107
Education & Careers

Women CPAs to Host Virtual Accounting Conference in May

The Second Annual Ultimate Accounting vCon will be held on May 16-17 in the comfort of participants' own offices. The Cloud-based Ultimate Accounting vCon is the brainchild of Michelle Long and Sandi Smith Leyva, two popular accounting industry speakers.
959
Technology

LinkedIn Tips Part 5: Groups

The groups likely to be most valuable to start-up practices will be those groups your client prospects belong to. You can find these by looking at the profiles of prospective clients on LinkedIn and scrolling down to see their groups.
2086

Pages

Voice of the Editor

Results from a recent AICPA survey disclosed the two top priorities for CPA firms as they plan for the future: bringing in new business and finding talent. Our goal at Sift Media is to help our readers deal with the issues most important to them. One way in which we are doing this is through the launch of our new recruitment/placement service, Going Concern Jobs. Check it out today for your talent needs.
Read more
Gail Perry, CPA
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, AccountingWEB
editor@accountingweb.com
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